\When a neuron receives an impulse, an action potential is generated which acts as an electric signal to send information through the axon towards the axon terminals.
Further Explanation:
The interior of a neuron is more negative as compared to its exterior. At this stage, a neuron is typically at rest. During resting potential, only potassium ions can traverse the axonal membrane while sodium ions cannot. The membrane potential at rest is about -70mV during which no impulse is conducting by the neuron.
When a neurotransmitter stimulates the cell, an action potential is generated as a certain channel protein opens up partially. This results in the influx of sodium ions through the membrane which causes the membrane potential to become less negative. When the membrane potential reaches -60mV, it is called threshold potential at which all the sodium channels become open. Sodium-ion flooding into the neuron changes the membrane potential to +55mV which causes an action potential to take place. This depolarization causes activation of sodium channels throughout the length of the axon which in turn results in the movement of a nerve impulse along nerve fiber till the axon terminal.
The rapid flow of sodium ions into the neuron causes the polarity of the membrane to change and results in the inactivation of ion channels. With the closure of sodium channels, the potassium channels open subsequently. As a result, no more sodium ions can enter the neuron and the efflux of potassium ions enables the membrane potential to attain the state of rest. The action potential is therefore inhibited and the membrane is hyperpolarized.
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Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Chapter: Action potential
Subject: Biology
Keywords:
Neuron, axon, axon terminal, neurotransmitter, nerve impulse, action potential, threshold potential, membrane potential, ion channels, resting potential, sodium ion, potassium ion, depolarization, hyperpolarization.